The Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign is a famous landmark located on an island between north and southbound traffic on Las Vegas Boulevard. Visitors often stop there to take photos, and there is a free and convenient parking area for this purpose. The sign has been around for decades and still serves as a welcoming symbol for travelers arriving in Las Vegas. At night, the illuminated sign looks different and makes for some glamorous photos. So, if you want to impress your Instagram followers, dress in Vegas style and snap a picture! Don’t be surprised if Elvis makes an appearance in your shot.
Created in 1959 by Betty Willis and Ted Rogich, the famous “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada” sign awaits you at the South end of the Strip.
Where is the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign Located?
Open 24 hours a day, the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign is located on the median of Las Vegas Boulevard, south of the Harley-Davidson Las Vegas dealership and across from the Bali Hai Golf Club. If you are driving from California, you can access the parking lot on the westbound side of Las Vegas Boulevard, but you must make a U-turn.
Address: 5200 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89119
Parking: It is free to park in the official lot at the sign. However, there are only 12 spaces available, so you may need to wait for one to become vacant. Another option is to use a ride-share service or a taxi to reach the sign.
Hours: Open 24/7
Tips for visiting the Las Vegas sign:
- Take pictures, but be considerate of others.
- There’s no official photographer or fee for pictures.
- You may encounter showgirls, Elvis impersonators, or superheroes who will pose for a photo for a tip.
- Visit at night for a cooler and more stunning experience.
- Be cautious when driving and use the pedestrian bridge when walking or biking.
- Scan the QR code on the sign for historical facts.
- Check out the Neon Museum or Fremont Street for more signs.
- Share your pictures with #WelcomeToFabulousLasVegas!
The History of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign
If you’ve ever visited Las Vegas, chances are you’ve seen the iconic Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. It’s one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in the city and a must-see for any tourist. But have you ever wondered about the story behind it? Who created it, when was it constructed, and why is it so fabulous? Let’s find out!
The History of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada Sign
If you’ve ever visited Las Vegas, you’ve likely seen the iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign. It is one of the most recognized and photographed landmarks in the city and a must-see for any tourist. But have you ever wondered about the story behind it? Who created it, when was it constructed, and what makes it so fabulous? Let’s explore!
The Birth of a Legend
Betty Willis was one of the first female commercial artists to create neon signs in Las Vegas. After graduating from art school, she designed advertisements for local casinos. In 1959, businessman Ted Rogich asked her to create a welcoming sign for the city.
Willis chose a horizontally stretched diamond shape with rounded corners and a cursive font for “Welcome to Fabulous.” She included a red star at the top, which some say represents her signature. The sign, featuring “Welcome” atop seven silver dollars—reflecting Nevada’s nickname as the “Silver State”—is double-sided to greet visitors from either direction.
The Sign of the Times
The sign was erected in May 1959 by Western Neon, a company that also made signs for Moulin Rouge Hotel and Stardust Resort and Casino. It was placed on the median of Las Vegas Boulevard South, about 4 miles south of the city limits of Las Vegas. At that time, few buildings or attractions were nearby.
Over the years, the sign has witnessed many changes in Las Vegas. It has seen the rise and fall of many casinos, hotels, and shows, as well as the evolution of technology and culture. In 2008, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places as a significant piece of American history. In 2014, Clark County installed solar panels to power the sign’s lights, making it more eco-friendly.
The sign has also become a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Every year, millions of visitors come to take photos with it or admire its beauty. It has also been featured in many movies, TV shows, and music videos. Celebrities have even used it as a backdrop for their weddings or proposals.
The Sign of Love
A charming aspect of the sign is that it has a message on both sides. On the north side, it says, “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas,” while on the south side, it says, “Drive Carefully. Come Back Soon.” This shows that the sign welcomes visitors to Las Vegas and wishes them well on their way home.
The sign is also surrounded by love in another way: 61 light poles around it are decorated with pink hearts and ribbons. These are part of a project called Shoes for Vegas, which artist Steven Liguori started after the 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas.
The Sign of More
If you’re a fan of the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign, you’re in luck! There are three other “Welcome to Las Vegas” signs in different areas of the city. While not exact replicas, they share a similar design.
- The first is on Boulder Highway, north of Tropicana Avenue, built in 2007 to welcome Arizona visitors. Smaller than the original, it mimics the shape and colors of a miniature Las Vegas skyline.
- The second, located on Las Vegas Boulevard and 4th Street downtown, was identical to the original with a blue background. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 2016 and hasn’t been replaced.
- Clark County built the third sign near the Strat Hotel and Casino on Las Vegas Boulevard North in 2018. It is larger and more modern and features a digital screen displaying various messages and images.
Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas Sign Photo Inspiration
